Peru Security 2026

Peru remains a strong travel destination; however, in practice, there are clear safety differences depending on the region, time of day, and mode of transport. This page compiles current advice on crime, demonstrations, states of emergency, natural hazards, altitude, health, and traffic. A focus is placed on concrete, easily implementable measures.

Status: January 08, 2026

For planning, the Peru Overview, the page on Travel Insurance for Peru, the advice on Transport in Peru, and the German-speaking Representations in Peru are also relevant.

Crime and typical scams

A focus is on large cities, public transport, bus terminals, shopping streets, and markets. There is also an increased risk in peripheral areas and at night, even in well-known tourist districts of individual cities.

Hotspots and high-risk situations

• City centers in the evening, busy squares, markets, and nightlife areas
• Bus terminals, transfers, queues, and crowded places
• Taxi transfers, especially with unlicensed providers
• Intercity travel at night on certain routes

Common offenses and methods

• Pickpocketing: Distraction, crowds, teamwork
• Robbery: often quick, sometimes with weapons, resistance increases risk
• Express kidnappings: Forced ATM withdrawals
• Date rape drugs: Risk in bars and clubs with unattended drinks
• Internet contact fraud: Building trust, followed by courier or money demands

Practical protective measures without "panic mode"

• Close-to-body transport: Money and cards separate, small "day wallet," rest in safe
• Document security: digital copies of passport, insurance, tickets, emergency contacts
• Taxi selection: Use official or referred providers, no spontaneous street taxis
• Drink rule: no unattended drinks, no acceptance from strangers
• Evening planning: well-lit paths, groups instead of solo outings, return trip organized beforehand

Note on Lima Airport

A safe pickup is considered particularly important. A transfer via licensed providers in the arrivals area reduces the risk upon arrival and departure.

Emergency contact

Tourist Police Lima, Policía de Turismo: Calle General Vidal 230, Tel. +511 4601060 / 4600849 / 4600921

Protests, strikes, and states of emergency

Protests remain difficult to predict. Blockades can affect roads, train connections, and access roads to airports, sometimes without much warning. Additionally, in some regions, there are temporary states of emergency, with an increased presence of security forces and restricted rights for the population.

Impact on travel

• Disruptions to long-distance bus lines, closures of main roads
• Disruptions to train services, including on touristically relevant routes in the south
• Restrictions at land borders due to strikes or security measures
• Additional time controls and detours in areas under a state of emergency

Appropriate reaction to blockades

• Maintain distance from crowds and demonstrations
• Replan instead of driving through, do not attempt to "force through" barriers
• Allow buffer times for each leg of the journey, especially before flights and onward travel
• Obtain information from accommodation, reputable providers, and local authorities

Regions with increased risk

Some border and inland regions have increased risks due to organized crime or security-related incidents. Official advisories mention, among others, the border area with Colombia, Loreto and certain zones, the VRAEM area, and individual parts of certain regions. Core tourist destinations around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu are, according to official classification, outside the affected areas.

Typical risk drivers

• Organized crime and drug trafficking in certain border and river zones
• Weaker infrastructure and limited assistance in remote areas
• Armed incidents and robberies on certain routes, sometimes at night

Amazon and boat tours

An increased risk exists occasionally along certain river sections. A tour with established providers, clear route planning, and group organization are considered a robust basis.

Natural hazards and weather

Peru is located in a seismically active zone. Additionally, the rainy season in the highlands and transitional regions can lead to landslides and floods. Volcanoes in the south continue to show activity, mostly with ash emissions and regional restrictions.

Rainy season and route selection

• Rainy season December to March: higher probability of landslides and road closures
• Mountain routes: additional travel time, alternative routes, and flexible bookings
• Warning system: Pay attention to local warnings and closures

More weather background information is available on the Climate in Peru page.

Health: Altitude, mosquitoes, vaccinations

Altitude and acclimatization

Andean regions are often well above 2,500 meters. Slow ascent, rest on the first day, adequate hydration, and a moderate pace reduce the risk of altitude sickness. For severe symptoms, medical evaluation is advisable; in serious cases, rapid descent is the most important measure.

Mosquito protection and tropical risks

In lower elevations east of the Andes, mosquito-borne diseases occur. Consistent mosquito protection with repellent, long clothing, and a mosquito net is one of the most important components.

Malaria in Peru, general guidance

• Transmission hotspots: below 2,500 meters east of the Andes, including Amazon areas
• Non-transmission areas: many highland tourist regions and several coastal cities

Yellow fever, general guidance

A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to certain areas below 2,300 meters. For stays above these elevations, including Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail, it is officially not recommended. However, proof of vaccination may still be required for onward travel to a third country.

Plant medicine and ceremonies

A safety aspect concerns substances like Ayahuasca or Kambo. Reports of serious incidents, assaults, and thefts exist, especially in uncontrolled settings. A sober risk assessment and the choice of reputable, medically supervised structures reduce dangers, but it does not remain a zero-risk option.

Traffic and mobility

Chaotic traffic is part of daily life in many cities. An increased risk of accidents affects intercity routes, especially on mountain roads and at night. Strikes and protests can also temporarily restrict passenger transport at short notice.

Robust transport decisions

• Daytime travel: Focus on travel during daylight, reduction of night travel
• Bus choice: larger operators and fixed terminals instead of spontaneous departures
• Route to Machu Picchu: Train travel often considered a safer alternative to certain bus and dirt road routes
• Taxi: official companies or referral through accommodation, no street pickups

More details are available on the Transport in Peru page.

Checklist for safe days in Peru

• Documents: digital copies, separate storage, emergency numbers readily available
• Money: small cash reserve, cards separate, larger valuables in a safe
• Mobility: Avoid night travel, allow buffer times before flights, plan alternative routes
• Surroundings: Avoid peripheral areas and risky zones, evening routes short and organized
• Demonstrations: Maintain distance from gatherings, do not pass blockades
• Health: Altitude acclimatization, mosquito protection in the lowlands, travel insurance with repatriation
• Crisis preparedness: Registration on a crisis prevention list, contact details of the embassy/consulate